Director - Teaching Quality and Innovation

Advertised Vacancy Number DOE1061892

This is a 5 year fixed term, full-time position commencing ASAP

About the Branch

As part of the implementation of the Department’s new Strategic Plan, Our Plan for Public Education in Western Australia, a key priority is to support and develop our people.

The Teaching Quality and Innovation Directorate plays a critical role in delivering this vision. Forming part of Statewide Services, the Directorate leads system-wide efforts to improve the quality of teaching across Western Australia's public education system. It develops the strategies, tools and supports that strengthen professional practice, helping schools embed effective teaching approaches that improve student learning, wellbeing and engagement, and create learning opportunities for future success.

The Directorate delivers evidence-informed models of professional support for schools, driving a consistent, system-wide approach to quality teaching in public schools. Working closely with schools, regions and system leaders, the Directorate leads initiatives that build professional capability, foster innovation in teaching practice, and support continuous improvement across the public education system. The Directorate also contributes to system, State and Commonwealth teaching quality initiatives, helping to ensure the Department remains responsive to emerging educational priorities and best practice.

Through the implementation of the Department's Strategic Plan, the Directorate will influence system-wide approaches to teaching quality, lead significant initiatives and reforms, and deliver lasting impact for educators, schools and students across Western Australia.

About You

The Director, Teaching Quality and Innovation is a key system leadership position responsible for leading strategies, programs and services that strengthen teaching quality and foster innovation across Western Australia's public education system. At a pivotal time for public education with the implementation of the Department’s Strategic Plan, this role provides a unique opportunity to influence system-level strategy, lead significant reforms and initiatives, and deliver lasting impact across WA’s public education system.

The Director provides strategic leadership for the planning, implementation and evaluation of initiatives that strengthen the quality of teaching in public schools. This includes leading a system-wide approach to quality teaching, overseeing professional support initiatives informed by research and best practice, and ensuring policies, programs and services are aligned with Departmental priorities and the needs of schools.

Working collaboratively with schools, regions and system leaders, the Director oversees the development and implementation of system-level policies, programs and services that strengthen teaching quality and foster innovation in professional practices that support student achievement and create learning opportunities for future success. The position provides high-level strategic advice to senior leaders and contributes to informed decision-making on key educational priorities, while ensuring schools have access to the professional learning, expertise and evidence-informed supports needed to strengthen teaching practice and improve outcomes for students.

The Ideal Applicant

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic leader with substantial experience leading significant initiatives within a large and complex environment. You will bring demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in leading the development and implementation of successful and significant professional learning programs, projects and strategies at a school, regional or system level. You will have a proven ability to translate strategic priorities into impactful initiatives that strengthen teaching quality, build professional capability and support system improvement.

You will possess a strong understanding of the evolving needs of schools, staff and the broader education system, together with the ability to anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities, and shape effective system responses. You will have a strong capacity to lead successful change, foster innovation in professional practice and translate strategic priorities into initiatives that strengthen teaching quality and improve outcomes for students. With highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, you build productive partnerships, foster collaboration and provide trusted advice to support informed decision-making.

As an experienced senior leader, you will have a proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams, build organisational capability and create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and learning. You will be adept at aligning people, programs and resources to achieve strategic objectives and deliver sustainable outcomes.

Further Job Related Information

Full details of the role, including selection criteria and eligibility and training requirements, are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more in depth information on the role, please contact Martin Clery, Executive Director on 08 9264 42***or ************@education.wa.edu.au.

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Building Leadership Impact

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people. For more information, please visit Building Leadership Impact 

The leadership context for this role is Leading Leaders.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please complete the online application form and attach the following:

• A 3 page statement addressing the following selection criteria in the context of the role and business needs of the branch (as outlined in the attached JDF)

Role Specific Requirement:

• Demonstrated substantial skills, knowledge and experience in leading the development and implementation of successful and significant professional learning programs and strategies at school, region or system level. 

Expected behaviours

• Lead collectively
• Think through complexity
• Deliver on high leverage areas
• Build capability

• A CV of up to 5 pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position, with the details of 3 referees who can attest to the claims made in your application.

When addressing the criteria, please ensure you write to the context of the role you are applying for. 

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process.

Please note the panel may also conduct psychometric testing as part of this selection process.

Please refer to the attached for further information on how to apply. It is recommended you consider all information contained in the advertisement any other related information before applying for the vacancy.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, or if you do not receive a confirmation email once submitted, please contact the Executive Recruitment Team on 08 9264 8***.

Subsequent Appointments

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 24 August 2026